Garmin eTrex 32x vs Garmin inReach Messenger

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Garmin inReach Messenger is the lighter option — 27 g lighter than the Garmin eTrex 32x (19% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.

Spec	Garmin eTrex 32x	Garmin inReach Messenger
Weight	142 g · 0.142 kg · 0.31 lb	115 g · 0.115 kg · 0.25 lb
Brand	Garmin	Garmin
Category	Navigation	Navigation

Garmin eTrex 32x

142 g

Rugged handheld GPS with 3-axis compass and altimeter.

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Garmin inReach Messenger

115 g

Affordable satellite messenger with SOS and tracking.

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Garmin eTrex 32x vs Garmin inReach Messenger: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Garmin inReach Messenger wins — at 115 g it is 27 g (19%) lighter than the Garmin eTrex 32x (142 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest navigation page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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